Rainbow Colors by Wonderful. Seattle band Wonderful delivers a perfect piece of highly percussive bliss pop that will have you marching in place and punching the air. Somehow, I get the sense that this song will be huge at the next Pride Parade.
Bad Street by Twin Sister. The catchy, funky, Disco-influenced lead single from this Long Island band’s forthcoming album, In Heaven.
Surgeon by St. Vincent. The first single from St. Vincent’s forthcoming album, Strange Mercy, is a strange, delirious and tantalizing song that opens with Annie Clark’s breathy dream-like vocals then proceeds into a experimental mid-section that features Asian themed strings and flutes and builds to a triumphant psychedelia-influenced symphonic climax.
Culture of Fear by Thievery Corporation. Seems sadly appropriate given yesterday’s tragic events in Norway. “Can a brother get yellow, man?”
The Woods by Small Sur. Spare, introspective, slowcore folk music from this Baltimore trio (featuring backing vocals from Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak). A perfect soundtrack to a quiet Saturday morning.
Shangri-La Indeed by Black Whales. Black Whales is a fairly straight-ahead rock band out of Seattle. Their jangly guitar Americana sound reminds me a little of one of my favorite ‘80’s bands, The Bo Deans. From their recently released album of the same name.
Vomit by Girls. Christopher Owens continues to lay claim to being one of the best singer-songwriters of his generation. This sprawling single from Girls’ forthcoming album, Father, Son, Holy Ghost, begins with a hushed guitar strum and develops into a sprawling, anguished song of desire and loss featuring evocative organ swells and soulful R&B jams.
Wild Window by Fool’s Gold. Another polyrhythmic gem from this LA collective that blends dance beats with a world music vibe. From their upcoming album, Leave No Trace.
Hoop of Love by Dominant Legs. The first single from Dominant Legs’ forthcoming debut album, Invitation, which is due in late September. I’m a huge fan of Ryan Lynch and Hannah Hunt and their nostalgic boy-girl pop music.
Port of Call by Beirut. The closing track from Beirut’s upcoming album, The Rip Tide. It’s been almost four years since Zach Condon has blessed us with a full length album. Well, the wait has been worth it. The Rip Tide is a stellar album that is damn near perfect from the first track to the closer. While the well known gypsy-folk sound of Beirut maintains throughout the album, Condon explores new musical territory, introducing more textured and melodic tones and featuring more keys, horns and even drum loops. A crowning achievement from a musical genius.
Today Is Our Life by Memory Tapes. Dayve Hawke (aka Memory Tapes) has described the music on his second album, Player Piano, as ““keyboard-based psychedelic girl group songs, a sort of Motown suicide note.” I’m not so sure about that description, though I’m sure that this is a great summer record. Reminds me a lot of the retro sounds of Ariel Pink.
All The Right Things by Son Lux. A dreamy and ethereal song that blends various musical styles, including electronica and jazz, and features a clash and clatter crescendo of brass and percussion. From Son Lux’s latest album, “We Are Rising” which, as part of the RPM Challenge, was completed in 28 days.
